Mangaluru: Food safety officials conducted a surprise inspection at Kudpi’s Foods Mangaluru, located near Kadri Temple, on Saturday, October 24, following concerns over hygiene at the food production facility. Officials issued a notice to the establishment and seized and sealed halwa, date-based products and unhygienic equipment and materials. The food products were sent for laboratory testing.
The inspection was conducted by a team led by Dr Praveen Kumar C.H., District Designated Officer for Food Safety, acting on the instructions of Health Minister U T Khader.
The action comes ahead of the festive season, when demand for sweets and other food products typically increases. Officials directed the establishment to implement the necessary hygiene measures and ensure that food preparation complies with safety requirements.
Notice issued over hygiene lapses
During the surprise inspection, officials found hygiene deficiencies at the food production unit. A notice was issued to the establishment, while halwa and date-based products prepared under unhygienic conditions were seized and sealed.
The seized food samples were sent to a laboratory for testing to assess their safety and quality. Unhygienic equipment and other materials found at the facility were also seized and sealed as part of the enforcement action.
Officials instructed the establishment to take immediate corrective measures to address the deficiencies identified during the inspection.
Drainage and pest control measures ordered
The food safety team directed the management to rectify the drainage system and take measures to prevent pests, including cockroaches, mice and rats, from entering the food production facility.
The establishment was also instructed to ensure that appropriate precautions were followed during the preparation of food products, particularly during the festive season.
Officials stressed the need to prevent food contamination and reduce the risk of food poisoning by maintaining cleanliness throughout the production process.
Production allowed only after thorough cleaning
The officials directed that food production should resume only after the preparation unit had been thoroughly cleaned and the required hygiene measures implemented.
The instructions included ensuring clean equipment, maintaining sanitary conditions and taking preventive steps against pest infestation and contamination.
The inspection forms part of efforts to monitor food production facilities and ensure that food items supplied to consumers meet the required safety and hygiene standards.
The laboratory results of the seized products were not provided in the information released about the inspection. The seizure and testing therefore do not, by themselves, establish that the products were unsafe for consumption.